Comment on Backcountry Video's video »

From Coffs Harbor, Australia, Jamie Mitchell is a professional paddler and one of the worlds ultimate watermen. As a 10x consecutive Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race Winner and a Battle of the Paddle champion, since 2002 Jamie has dominated nearly every competition he has entered.

Also known as a fearless big wave surfer, Jamie has received invitations to some of the worlds elite big wave riding events including the Tow-in World Cup and the Mavericks Paddle-in contest. In 2007 Jamie was nominated in Billabongs XXL Big Wave Awards, for a massive wave ridden at Todos Santos, Mexico.

Outside of competition, Jamie has earned membership into the notorious 30/20 Club, a brotherhood of elite watermen who have paddled 30 miles, or more, through open-ocean in addition to having ridden 20 foot waves in the traditional paddle-in method, unaided by a tow-in vehicle. He can be found traversing the globe in search of massive waves and can often be seen paddling across the deep blue, accompanied by some of nature's most intimidating creatures.

For Jamie, the ocean is more than the blue area on a map or a weekend destination. To him, it is a way of life and an arena to embrace, explore and experience some of the greatest moments of his life.

Comment on Stacy Newton's review »

Indestructible - Nonscratching - SeaWeed Sweet

Owned these polarized shades since July and would easily purchase them again in a moment.

Owned: Spy Oakley Rudy Project Hoven Smith

..and by far these shades offer excellent sun protection top / bottom and peripherally here in Utah (sun never ends). Polarization is a dream, reduced glare off cars / objects driving, a miracle for blue eyes or sensitive eyes. Lens shade is dark enough to wear driving to work at dawn right up until early dusk. No squinting. Traveled across the country, sat on these, threw them in my travel bag / backpack and I haven't yet scratched these lenses.

Comment on Austin H.'s review »

The lenses really ARE that good

Believe the other reviews of Kaenon sunglasses. I have many pairs: Smith, Anon, Spy, Oakley, Gucci, Electric, etc. and the Kaenons have distinctly better clarity. I've been a vocal booster of Smith for a long time, and while I still like and wear several pair, I'm now always on the lookout for a deal on a new pair of Kaenons.

The Gauges are wide. I would say they're more of a large fit than medium-to-large. They're the widest sunglasses I've found so far. It would be nice if Backcountry actually gave dimensions the way some other sites do- I always have to go to another site to check... They fit larger than the Jettys, which I also have. The style is a little different. The Gauge have a more retro look; think Ace Rothstein in Casino. Pretty sweet. Mine are walnut, and as always with a translucent frame, they look much darker when they're on your head than in the photo.

Comment on Eric Sivers's review »

Absolutely Amazing Glasses

The second I put on my Kaenon Gauge sunglasses, I immediately was transported into another world; a world where everything looked clearer and more vibrant that it had before, glasses or not. In all seriousness, the Gauge glasses provide the most optical clarity I have ever experienced. I have what I would consider a rather large face, and these fit great - a bit tight at first, and after a couple days, they felt perfectly snug and secure. I have worn these crusing around on my bike, at the beach, driving... well, pretty much everywhere and they continue to impress me and anyone else who tries them on. Not only do they perform well, they look good too. As an added bonus they come with a super sturdy case and nice lens cleaner/bag. Definitely a 5 of 5 in my book.

Comment on Rob Wykoff's review »

Unbelievable clarity

These sunglasses are unbelievable. I have never owned a pair of sunglasses with this much optical clarity. They make everything appear so crisp and clear and with the polarized lense, free of any glare. Whether I am skiing on a spring day, hiking to the top of another line, fishing, or just trying to look cool, these glasses do it all. Definitely highly recommended. Also i have a pretty large head and have trouble finding sunglasses that don't squeeze my temples and give me headaches. These however fit wonderfully.